france deliver three mirage 2000-5 fighter jets ukraine early 2025 french air force's dassault 2000-5f

La Tribune: France to deliver three Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine in early 2025

October 23, 2024

By Ukraine

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France will deliver three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, according to La Tribune, citing “corroborating sources.” The French Defense Ministry has declined to comment on the specific number of aircraft when contacted by La Tribune.

Currently, Ukraine relies on its small aging fleet of Soviet-era Mig-29 fighter jets and Su-24 bombers in the ongoing war against Russia. Recently, Ukraine started receiving the first F-16s, aimed at bolstering Ukrainian air capabilities. Additionally, France pledged to supply Ukraine with its Mirage 2000 jets. Also, Ukraine has been in talks on the transfer of Eurofighter and Sweden’s Gripen fighters.

La Tribune says the delivery timeline allows for necessary aircraft modifications and training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics, as explained by Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu on 8 October. At the time, he said the Mirages will be delivered in the first half of 2025.

In June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to transfer Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine within a year. La Tribune claimed France may initially transfer only six jets, with additional contributions required from other nations operating the Mirages. In contrast, Avionslegendaires reported that France could send up to 20 Mirage 2000-5F fighters to Ukraine by 2025.

The aircraft will be equipped with Mica air-to-air missiles, AASM bombs for airstrikes, and Scalp cruise missiles, responding to Ukrainian requests. Additional armament includes two 30mm cannons. La Tribune says this configuration is similar to the Greek Mirage 2000-5 fleet, which has attracted interest from India and Taiwan.

Currently, Ukraine deploys Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles using modified Soviet-era Su-24 bombers. Additionally, MiG-29 fighter jets have been adapted to carry and deliver AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs.

The French Air Force currently operates 26 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, stationed at Luxeuil/Saint-Sauveur in France and Djibouti. Prior to their transfer to Ukraine, the aircraft will undergo upgrades, focusing on air-to-ground combat capabilities and electronic warfare systems to counter Russian jamming, according to the Defense Minister on X.

These modifications will be carried out at the Cazaux air base in southwestern France, while pilot and mechanic training will take place at the Nancy air base in eastern France. France is also participating in training Ukrainian pilots at Cazaux for American F-16 fighters.

The Mirage 2000-5F, introduced in 1999, served as France’s primary air defense fighter. Per La Tribune, it was France’s first “Fox 3 shooter” fighter, featuring “fire and forget” capability.

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